In the contest this year, there were thirteen entries from around the state and two surrounding states. Participants included: Bill Jensen, Roslyn; Brian Driscoll, DeSmet; Steve Gaul, Hawarden, IA; Ted Petrak, Chamberlain; Leo Harts, Mission Hill; David Beckler, Bath; Clay Edwards, Montrose; Tim Reindl, Custer; Scott Moore, Centerville; Ted Souvignier, Canton; Don Curtis, Mitchell; Bill Eckert, Okaton and Jeff Temme, Petersburg, NE.

Contestants were judged by five independent judges, who scored them on appearance and poise; voice (clarity and chant); enthusiasm and crowd appeal. Judges were Ben Meyer, Huron; Jeff Storm, Custer; Wayne Haines, White Lake; Butch Oien, Spearfish and Arvon Taylor, Conde. All contestants sold three items during the first round. The three individuals with the highest scores were then brought back to compete in the final round, again selling three items. The winner was determined based on that final round's score.  While the first round scores were being determined, Caspers introduced the crowd to various SDAA participants, including several of the SDAA Hall of Fame members who were on hand to help out, as well as plenty of past Bid Calling contest winners. The auctioneers began selling items for the fourth annual South Dakota 4-H Foundation Benefit Auction. There were 34 items to be sold for the 4-H Foundation and that auction brought in nearly $2,900 for the Foundation.

After the scores from the first round were tallied, the top three auctioneers were brought back for the final round. They were Bill Eckert, Scott Moore and Clay Edwards. Each finalist then auctioned off three more items and retired from the stage. Competition throughout the first round was very tight and the scores were close, making for even greater anticipation among the finalists as they sold their last items.

When the final scores were tallied, a winner emerged. The 2009 Bid Calling Champion was Scott Moore, the first runner-up was Clay Edwards and the second runner-up was Bill Eckert. Scores in the final round were very close as well, attesting to the caliber of auctioneers in the competition.

On the right is Scott Moore, Centerville, accepting the awards for Champion in the 2009 South Dakota Auctioneers Association Bid Calling Championship. Presenting the belt buckle and plaque is association President, Rich Krogstad, Spearfish.

On the right is Clay Edwards, Montrose, accepting the award for First Runner-Up in the 2009 South Dakota Auctioneers Association Bid Calling Championship. Presenting the award is association President, Rich Krogstad, Spearfish.

On the right is Bill Eckert, Okaton, accepting the award for Second Runner-Up in the 2009 South Dakota Auctioneers Association Bid Calling Championship. Presenting the award is association President, Rich Krogstad, Spearfish.

For more information contact:  Dawn Luckett

Remember if you know of an auctioneer who is not an
SDAA member, get him/her signed up.

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